Whitechapel Society Meeting 2nd August

[Salome]

Apologies if I've overlooked this information but has FK said what the book will be about? Does it chronicle the history of her family or does it just deal with the events of November 1888? Also, I seem to remember that she described the forthcoming book as a 'docu-novel' on Casebook, excuse my ignorance but what does that mean? Is there a possiblity that Fiona will be doing any more talks before the launch of her book? Unfortunately I was away in August and missed this one.

[richardnunweek]

Hi Claire,
I will also buy the book , it looks a must for my collection.
I hope Fiona does not get the impression that I am insisting she should make all the tales of her family open on 'Casebook' ,for that is not the case, i just feel any imformation, hear say ,or not, that may be relevant to this case, should be given as a contribution to our wonderful site.
Regards Richard.

[Stephen Thomas]

Can I just point out that Fiona Kendall is NOT the only surviving descendant of Jack McCarthy and indeed is not even the only surviving great-grandchild. Kim Campbell is still very much alive and kicking and, being at least twenty years older than Fiona, I would guess may have even more first-hand memories. Has Fiona ever mentioned her cousin Kim and whether she has been consulted about the family tales?

In her wonderful talk, Fiona did mention a much older relative who had given her the go-ahead to talk about the family history

[claire]

Well, quite.
I'm quite sure she's related to the McCarthys. It's not the case in point. The problem for me is that Fiona appears to believe that proving her identity is tantamount to proving the stories. It isn't.

Mind you, I do love a good story, true or fictional...the way that family histories shift and change over time is just as interesting to me. With complete respect to Fiona, I'm inclined to wonder whether these stories aren't ways to canonise old uncle Joe given his slumlord rep...but since that in itself intrigues me, I'll be buying the book. If only Fiona wouldn't be so circumspect!!

[richardnunweek]

Hi,
What is so frustrating about the Fiona saga, is just one remark she made in her initial posts, ie, His wife[ Mrs McCarthy] fiona's great grandmother, parcelled up Mjks belongings and sent them to her family.
This implies that the police, and the McCarthys knew who Marys family were , and their identification.
Surely any imformation that Fiona has on that score, is paramount to the Ripper case, and in my opinion would almost be a lottery win for serious researchers.
In fact any hearsay/oral history from her family would /could? be possibily a real jewel.
Regards Richard.

[Salome]

Thanks for the welcome Anna. I'm not disputing Fiona Kendall's authenticity but I'm not sure that I am convinced that everything she says about her family is accurate. We all forget, confuse and embellish stories over time and a long, long time has passed since some of her stories took place. My grandmother told me stories about our family history that turned out not to be accurate or even true in some cases. What worries me is that Fiona Kendall doesn't seem to have any doubts about any of the information she has presented even though so much time has passed and most of the stories have been handed down to her. Do we know whether she has set about trying to check and authenticate her oral family history?

[caz]

Hi Anna,

I recall Fiona saying at the meeting that the reason McCarthy sent 'Indian Harry' round to collect some back rent on the morning that Mary's body was found was that he knew by then that she was back on the game and should have had some money for him. Apparently he kept an eye on who was coming and going in the court.

I suppose he would have guessed she was back on the game (which Fiona said was not in itself illegal) if he actually saw her taking men like Blotchy back to her room, or saw other men going there by themselves. Or maybe he just assumed that Joe had been gone long enough to make it necessary for Mary to earn her gin (or ginger beer) money in the usual manner.

Love,

Caz
X

[anna]

Welcome to the Casebook,Salome!


I had no idea Fiona's authenticity was being discussed,as she had addressed the Whitechapel Society,I presumed all was correct.


Why is it people want to own up to being a relative of McCarthy,when he is described as a bully boy and an all around not very nice character.Although,if I remember correctly,when discussing Mary Kelly's rent arrears,Fiona pronounced that he allowed her to run up the bill,as he was a very nice man?

[Salome]

Hi everyone,
I have been following this thread with interest as I remember the controversy surrounding Fiona Kendall's last appearance on Casebook. Can I just point out that Fiona Kendall is NOT the only surviving descendant of Jack McCarthy and indeed is not even the only surviving great-grandchild. Kim Campbell is still very much alive and kicking and, being at least twenty years older than Fiona, I would guess may have even more first-hand memories. Has Fiona ever mentioned her cousin Kim and whether she has been consulted about the family tales? Kim co-wrote a book about her sister Kay which tells us about a bit of the family history, I wonder why she has never felt the need to write another one as there seems to be so many anecdotes from the McCarthy/Kendall clan.

[richardnunweek]

Hi,
I also have no doubts that Fiona is genuine, however as a lifetime 'Ripper addict' I get frustrated with little snippits ie, McCarthys wife packed up Mjks belongings and forewarded it on to her family, also having seen her passport, and every one of her family [ McCarthys] knew who the killer was, and why he killed her.
The above information alone surely is of great intrest to the annuals of crime, and I for one if privileged, would not hesitate in relaying any such details to 'Casebook' and would freely be willing to debate with one and all, not do a runner after a couple of posts.
By all means write a book on the McCarthy clan for monetary, but any information that could reveal the killers identity in my opinion should be made public via 'Casebook' which dedicates itself to every aspect of the 'Whitechapel Murders'.
This post is not one of a little boy who can' wait for Xmas, but a firm conviction that evidence should not be concealed with a attitude ' All will be revealed' at least in due course.
Regards Richard.

[Jenni Shelden]

Coral,

I have no doubt Fiona was who she said she was. That doesnt mean I believe that all family stories are factually accurate and not prone to elaboration and distortion - not necesarily via lying.

Jenni

[coral]

Today I have had an email from Fiona who watches the Forums.

As she said to me - this was no publicity exercise. She did not say when the book would be published - she did not give the publishers name - she did not give the name of the book - she did not say under which name she would be writing the book.

And as for you who do not believe that she is who she says she is - she brought along her school reports etc - surely only a genuine oerson can do this. Must say that 'Fiona needed to do better'

But then again, you sceptics out there probably think she picked them up at a carboot sale!

Coral

[Mike Covell]

I applaud anyone who comes forward with biographical details on any of the people associated with the case, and I look forward to the release of the book.

When is it out?

[caz]

Hi Richard,

I may have this totally wrong, but Fiona came across as the total opposite of an impoverished author, who needs to make as much money as possible from her book. She even drew a winning ticket at the meeting but promptly gave her prize money back to WS1888 funds.

But I agree with what you say about her duty to the historical record. We'll have to see what she can come up with. She knows now what kind of reception she will get if her information boils down to McCarthy conjecture, but no evidence that he could have 'known' anything.

Love,

Caz
X

[richardnunweek]

Hi,
I would imagine 99 per cent of Casebook would buy Fiona's book.
However.
The original posts from Fiona's imput to Casebook, does indicate nothing more then a giant carrot, to intrest readers initially, and although I was unable to attend her talk [ which was my intention] it appears that the talk was based on a description of the McCarthy family[ intresting], however the word advertising does spring to mind, and although there is nothing wrong with financial gain, it is a shame that monetary gain cannot sometimes be cast aside for historical duty.
I have reservations, however I look forward to what could be intresting aspects.
Regards Richard.